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How to Use a Cane for Vertigo

Vertigo is a form of dizziness in which a person feels that they or their surroundings are moving or spinning. This condition can affect your balance, requiring the use of a cane for support. A cane with four prongs, which is referred to as a quad cane, provides more stability than a cane with only one prong, but it is important to know how to use a cane no matter which type you have. Using a properly sized cane and knowing the steps to safely walk with a cane can increase your mobility and stabilize your balance.

Things You'll Need

  • Cane, height-adjustable
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Instructions

  1. Fitting a Cane

    • 1

      Put on your normal walking shoes and stand up straight.

    • 2

      Hold the cane in the hand on your stronger side. If you don't have a stronger side, hold the cane in the hand of your choice.

    • 3

      Place the tip of the cane two inches in front of your toes and six inches to the side.

    • 4

      Assess the fit of the cane. Your wrist should be even with the handgrip when your arm hangs at your side. When you hold the handgrip, your elbow should bend slightly.

    • 5

      Adjust the length of the cane, if needed, according to the instructions that came with the cane.

    Walking

    • 6

      Grasp the handgrip with the hand on your stronger side or the hand of your choice.

    • 7

      Place all the cane tips on the ground evenly.

    • 8

      Shift your weight to the leg on the side of the cane.

    • 9

      Move the cane and the leg on the opposite side of your body a step forward at the same time.

    • 10

      Shift your weight so you are supported with the cane and the leg on the opposite side of your body.

    • 11

      Step forward with the leg on the side of the cane.

    • 12

      Continue walking by repeating the previous three steps.

    Walking Up Stairs with a Cane

    • 13

      Grasp the railing with your free hand.

    • 14

      Step up with the leg on the side of the cane.

    • 15

      Step up with the cane and the leg on the opposite side of your body at the same time.

    • 16

      Continue stepping up the stairs by repeating the previous two steps.

    Walking Down Stairs with a Cane

    • 17

      Grasp the railing with your free hand.

    • 18

      Step down with the cane and the leg on the opposite side of your body.

    • 19

      Step down with the leg on the side of the cane.

    • 20

      Continue stepping down the stairs by repeating the previous two steps.

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